Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize alternative setups has remained part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Now is a separate time. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever you criticize altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a better squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
With just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
